In Joseph Heller's novel "Catch-22," the quote "My fish dream is a sex dream" reflects the absurdity and complexity of the protagonist's experiences. This line highlights the intertwined nature of desire, fantasy, and the surreal challenges faced by soldiers during wartime. It illustrates how the characters use dreams to escape their grim realities yet also confront their deeper urges, making the narrative rich with meaning and irony.

The quote encapsulates the essence of Heller's critique of the bureaucracy and madness of war. It suggests that even within dreams, which are often seen as pure or innocent, the influences of war and personal conflicts seep through. Through such expressions, Heller emphasizes the blurred lines between sanity and insanity, and the chaotic nature of human desires amidst the absurdity of life, particularly in a wartime context.